ABOUT 511 and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In July 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 511 as the national traveler information phone number. Idaho is the 24th state to provide the 511 service.
Travel Smart. Travel Safe.
511 is a public service of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to help travelers access information about road conditions, traffic incidents, weather and tourism information via the phone or on the Web, 24 hours a day and seven day a week.
Cooperating agencies
511 is made possible through the cooperation of the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Emergency Medical Services Bureau, the Ada County Highway District and the Federal Highway Administration.
Disclaimer
• Weather and road conditions change rapidly, and the information reported here should not be used as the only factor in determining whether to travel in a particular area. Motorists are cautioned to be alert to changing circumstances and adjust their driving accordingly.
• The Idaho Transportation Department provides this information as a public service. Reports are based on the information available at the time of preparation and cannot be guaranteed as to accuracy or timeliness. Actual conditions may vary from those reported.
• Transportation department field crews provide information to update the system. Additional information comes from the National Weather Service, Ada County Highway District and the Road Weather Information System.
511 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is 511?
How does 511 work?
Can I call 511 from my cell phone?
Is there a charge for 511?
On which roads does Idaho's 511 provide information?
Can I get information about a specific road?
How does 511 differ from the Idaho Road Report?
Can I still call the 888-IDA-ROAD phone number?
What is 511's relationship to 911?
How is 511 different from radio and TV news?
Is 511 available nationwide?
If I call 511 in other locations (states), will it be the same as in Idaho?
Can I call 511 from my cell phone?
Most wireless companies will connect to 511; however, there may be places where reception is poor, preventing access or hindering connection to 511.
In some cases along state borders, Idaho 511 may or may not work properly depending upon the cell tower connection for that specific call. Your call may go to the adjoining state’s 511 system. Should this occur, simply call 888-IDA-ROAD (888-432-7623) to access Idaho’s 511 system.
Drivers are encouraged to put safety first by asking a passenger to call 511, calling or logging onto 511.idaho.gov prior to departure, or placing the call at an appropriate stopping point along the way.
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How does 511 differ from the Idaho Road Report?
The enhanced 511 service provides abbreviated 511 dialing, continual updates, voice recognition and easy-to-navigate Web pages. With 511 you can access fully-automated, current driving conditions and travel weather information for the route(s) of your choice on demand, whenever you need it.
The Idaho Road Report provided periodic updates several times a day on a set schedule. In contrast, updates are made to the 511 system as conditions change, providing current, timely reports to motorists.
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